Data center developers launch full-court press to woo Michigan communities

Data center developers and major technology companies, including Oracle and OpenAI, are initiating a concerted effort to influence local sentiment in Michigan regarding proposed large-scale data center projects. This "charm offensive" is designed to cultivate community support and address potential opposition. An example is the Oracle/OpenAI data center planned for Saline Township, where an old barn on the Related Digital property is intended to be preserved amidst construction, signaling an attempt to integrate with local character. This strategy underscores the industry's recognition of the importance of local opinion in the successful deployment of new data center infrastructure.